There were many new restaurant openings during 2009, despite the challenging economic climate, and below we have included Bon Vivant’s pick of the best ones.
Polpo, Soho
Polpo is a Venetian ‘bacaro’ with a New York vibe on the former Soho premises of Aperitivo, from ex-Caprice Holdings director Russell Norman. Polpo has a no reservation policy for dinner, so expect to queue, as this place is currently very popular, and deservedly so.
Eastside Inn, Clerkenwell
Eastside Inn, in Clerkenwell, was established by Bjorn van der Horst, former chef-patron of Gordon Ramsay’s La Noisette and head chef at The Greenhouse in Mayfair. Eastside Inn is split into a bistro and a fine dining restaurant, serving distinctly French cuisine with Spanish and Dutch influences.
Hix, Soho
Hix Soho is the latest venture from Mark Hix on the former Aaya site in Soho. The head chef is Kevin Gratton, formerly of Scott’s in Mayfair, who retains the quality that has become expected from Hix restaurants. The bar downstairs, serving some great cocktails, is worth a visit as well.
Lutyens, The City
Lutyens is the latest venture from Prescott & Conran, the team behind the recently opened Boundary and Albion in Shoreditch. Located in the former Reuters building in Fleet Street, Lutyens is unmistakably Conran and a welcome addition to the area.
Aqua London, Mayfair
Aqua consists of two restaurants at the top of the former Dickens & Jones department store on Regents Street, with over 250 seats in total. Aqua Nueva serves contemporary Spanish food while Aqua Kyoto features Japanese cuisine. Both restaurants have a large and impressive roof terrace, which is bound to be a popular destination in the summer.
Galvin La Chapelle, Shoreditch
In November, the Galvin brothers launched their latest venture in St Botolph’s Hall, a beautiful 19th century building close to Spitalfields Market. The restaurant is divided into a fine dining restaurant, a bar area and an all-day cafe with outdoor seating – a great addition to the neighbourhood.
Pizza East, Shoreditch
Housed in the Tea Building, adjacent to Shoreditch House, Pizza East is one of the latest openings from the Soho House Group. This vibe is a cool mix of American and Italian and it’s great to see the continuing trend of Prosecco on tap.
The Orange, Pimlico
The Orange is the latest venture from the team behind the Thomas Cubitt and the Pantechnicon Rooms in Pimlico. The menu includes rustic European dishes and wood-fired oven pizzas, complimented by a good selection of guest ales.
Dean Street Townhouse, Soho
The Dean Street Townhouse is a new boutique hotel and dining room from the Soho House Group. The restaurant service classic British cuisine from first thing in the morning until the early hours and already feels like a Soho institution.
Seven Park Place, Mayfair
The latest fine dining restaurant to launch at the St James’s Hotel & Club under the direction of William Drabble, following his departure from Aubergine in Chelsea. The restaurant is intimate and elegant, although the décor won’t be to everyone’s taste, but the cooking is a real triumph.
For further information on Bon Vivant, please visit www.bonvivant.co.uk
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